The city of Los Angeles was chosen to host the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, as well as its precursor, the 2014 Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Invitational Games. USC will play a major role in both events as one of two universities at which competitions will take place. UCLA will serve as the other host site.

Both events will be campus-wide at USC, involving many buildings and open spaces at the University Park Campus. The 2014 Invitational Games will serve as ‘test’ games, before next summer’s Special Olympics World Games, in which more than 4,000 athletes will participate. Preparing for, and hosting the invitational games will help the FMS Events Planning team identify needs and expectations for next year’s summer games. The team will work on this event in conjunction with other USC departments, such as the staff of the Engemann Student Health Center, which will oversee the care of the athletes during competitions.

The FMS Events Planning team will ensure the university is physically prepared to welcome and house the thousands of athletes and their coaches during the summer games. Additionally, the team will coordinate with all crews and vendors involved, and oversee break down and clean up.

Set up for this summer’s Olympic activity will begin as early as June 3rd. This is the first year the Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Invitational Games will be co-hosted at USC, and the FMS Events team is more than ready to support the event.

For more information on the 2014 Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Invitational Games and the 2015 Special Olympics World Games please visit http://www.la2015.org/.